Launching of PRO-18 cancelled

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — The scheduled launching of the Police Regional Office-18, under the newly-created Negros Island Region, was “cancelled indefinitely.”

Senior Superintendent Samuel Nacion, officer-in-charge of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office said the activation of the new regional office was supposed to be held yesterday at the PRO-6 headquarters in Iloilo City, but it did not push through.

Nacion said he did not know the reason for its cancellation, adding that the order came directly from Camp Crame. He said they will only wait for further advice from the higher command. He added NOPPO will still be under the command of PRO-6, which is under the directorship of Chief Supt. Bernardo Diaz.

The PRO-18 director has yet to be named, he said, and one of the reported candidates for the post is Chief Superintendent Marietto Valerio, who is now the PRO-6 deputy regional director for administration.

The permanent site of the regional command has yet to be identified but the provincial government of Negros Occidental is offering a property in Hinigaran town. — Marchel P. Espina (FREEMAN)